Cagayan de Oro City, September 11, 2024 – Supreme Court Associate Justice Japar B. Dimaampao visited the Cagayan de Oro City Jail – Male and Female Dormitories today at 1:00 PM. The visit, under the leadership of Regional Director JCSUPT Cesar M. Langawin, aligns with the Supreme Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovation 2022-2027 (SPJI), which aims to modernize the judiciary by improving access to justice, enhancing judicial efficiency, and utilizing technology to promote fairness and transparency.
Justice Dimaampao’s visit included a thorough assessment of the jail conditions and the legal representation available to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). He addressed the challenges these individuals face in accessing their legal rights, which is in line with the SPJI’s goal of ensuring equitable justice for all, particularly for marginalized sectors of society.
A notable part of the visit was Justice Dimaampao’s inspection of newly established prayer rooms and a mosque, the first of its kind at the Cagayan de Oro City Jail – Male Dormitory. This initiative emphasizes the importance of respecting the religious rights of Muslim PDLs, ensuring that their spiritual needs are met even while in incarceration.
Justice Dimaampao also engaged with PDLs to discuss their concerns, particularly regarding delays in court hearings. He emphasized the judiciary’s commitment to expediting legal proceedings and reducing case backlogs, thereby preventing prolonged detention and ensuring swift justice for all.
The visit underscores the Supreme Court’s dedication to judicial innovation and access to justice, reflecting its commitment to modernizing the judiciary and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, receive fair and timely legal representation.
